I have a new client. Well, almost-client. We have talked and texted and messaged each other to talk about how I can help her. And she does need help. Her problem? She hired a crummy designer. She paid hundred of dollars and got a really mediocre logo made with clipart and stock fonts. Nothing custom. Nothing special. In fact, the logo doesn’t even reflect the fun, energetic person she is. Obviously, this designer spent no time talking to her about her business goals or branding. On top of that, the designer was hard to contact, horrible with follow-up, and would go weeks with no contact.
Sadly, this kind of thing happens too often. If the designer has a fancy webpage or a good referral, it’s possible to hire them without getting what you pay for in the end. So, how do you avoid this?
Sadly, this kind of thing happens too often. If the designer has a fancy webpage or a good referral, it’s possible to hire them without getting what you pay for in the end. So, how do you avoid this?
First and foremost, look at their portfolio. Any good designer has one. Most bad ones do as well. If there is no portfolio, don’t even consider the designer. No. Just don’t. There should be a lot of art provided to show that this person knows something about design. There should be variety in the portfolio—the pieces shouldn’t all look the same. If it does, be wary that this is a one-trick pony. Unless that “look” is exactly what you were looking for, then, yah, I guess its fine. But otherwise, no.
Is the designer local? This isn’t a deal killer. But really, it is a much better idea if you can meet face to face at least once or twice. The designer needs to be able to relate to you and understand your business. Ideally, you should maybe even like each other. You have to have trust as well. This is so hard to establish with text messages and emails.
Does the designer spell out exactly what you are getting for your money in some sort of contract? I have to admit, for smaller jobs, it’s tempting to skip this, but really, there should be something on paper to outline everyone’s expectations. This way, you will know what to expect. The designer knows what you expect. Everyone is protected from most misunderstandings this way. This contract should say what the finished product will be, in detail. It should say what rights the clients has to the art afterwards. It should have the price and the timeline.
Is the designer local? This isn’t a deal killer. But really, it is a much better idea if you can meet face to face at least once or twice. The designer needs to be able to relate to you and understand your business. Ideally, you should maybe even like each other. You have to have trust as well. This is so hard to establish with text messages and emails.
Does the designer spell out exactly what you are getting for your money in some sort of contract? I have to admit, for smaller jobs, it’s tempting to skip this, but really, there should be something on paper to outline everyone’s expectations. This way, you will know what to expect. The designer knows what you expect. Everyone is protected from most misunderstandings this way. This contract should say what the finished product will be, in detail. It should say what rights the clients has to the art afterwards. It should have the price and the timeline.
Lastly, be prepared with your expectations and be willing to ask questions when meeting the designer. One of the most important ones is “do you feel comfortable designing this?” or “is this a design job that you feel suits your style?” Not all designers are the same. We all have a look and feel to our art, and if you ask me to design something for you that is totally out of my comfort zone or realm of knowledge or whatever, I’d like you to know in advance. I understand that I might not be the designer for you. And I think most other designers feel the same. I’d rather not get the job than have you hire me and then be really disappointed that I didn’t meet your needs. I once had someone ask me to help design a graphic novel called the Onion (NOT the satire publication) that involved scantily clad women. I knew pretty much immediately that I was the wrong designer for the job.
So my next project is to fix my almost-client’s $600 lack-luster logo, once we sit, talk, have a cup of coffee hopefully, and sign a contract, of course. I can guarantee that it will be energetic and custom tailored just for her. Maybe I’ll post a “before and after” as a future blog entry!
Cheers—Kelly
So my next project is to fix my almost-client’s $600 lack-luster logo, once we sit, talk, have a cup of coffee hopefully, and sign a contract, of course. I can guarantee that it will be energetic and custom tailored just for her. Maybe I’ll post a “before and after” as a future blog entry!
Cheers—Kelly
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